Nani

Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha  commonly known as Nani was born 17 November 1986, is a Portuguese footballer currently playing as a winger for English club Manchester United in the Premier League and the Portugal national team. Although predominantly right-footed, he has been utilised on the left-wing on many occasions and was compared to compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo during his move to England.

Club Career


Sporting CP

Nani joined Sporting CP from his first club Real Massamá. After two seasons in the youth team, where he won the National Junior Championship in 2004–05, Nani was promoted to the first team early in the 2005–06 season. On 10 August 2005, Nani made his Sporting debut, coming on as a substitute for Custódio in the 73rd minute in a 1–0 home defeat to Udinese in their third-round qualifier in the UEFA Champions League. Nani made his Portuguese Liga debut on 28 August, replacing Deivid in the 76th minute of a 2–1 victory over Marítimo at the Estádio dos Barreiros. Nani scored his first Sporting goal on 30 October, opening the scoring in a 2–2 draw away to Boavista. Nani ended the first season of his career with 36 appearances and five goals in all competitions.

Manchester United

Nani was sold to Manchester United for €25.5 million,five percent of which was paid to Real de Massamá. He signed a five year contract . Nani's Premier League debut came in United's opening match at home to Reading on 12 August as a substitute for Wayne Rooney, who had suffered a foot injury. Two weeks later, on 26 August, Nani scored his first competitive goal for United, netting a 30-yard winner in the 69th minute against Tottenham Hotspur. Nani also set up crucial goals for Louis Saha and Nemanja Vidic allowing United to beat both Sunderland and Everton 1–0. He returned to his previous club, Sporting, in a Champions League tie in September, though it was team-mate and fellow former Sporting man Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner in a 1–0 victory. Nani opened the scoring in a 4–1 home victory over Middlesbrough on 27 October.

Honours

Club

 Sporting FC

Taca de Portugal Once - 2006/07

Manchester United

Premier League 3 Times - 2007/08, 2008/09, 2010/11

Football League Cup Once - 2008/09

FA Community Shield 3 Times - 2007, 2008, 2010

UEFA Champions League Once - 2007/08

Fifa Club World Club Once - 2008